After 2020 and the Covid situation I was able to travel again! I have been planning my trip to the Portugese capital for several years and now I am finally can say I was there! In this post I am taking you with me!
Old town of Lisbon
Lisbon’s “Old town” has several neighbourhoods like Barrio Alto, Chiado, Baixa and Alfama. Come with me and discover it’s sights on foot or on the lovely old Tram 28.
1. Praça do Comércio / Commerce Square
The Commerce Square is and was Lisbon’s main square, where the Royal Palace stood for over two centuries until 1755, when its was destroyed by the Great Earthquake, firestorm and tsunami.
At the time, Marquis of Pombal the Minister of Foreign Affairs and later Prime Minister started to rebuild Lisbon and in honour of the ruling king, Jose I a statue of him was erected in the center of the square.
The palace was also rebuilt, and now yellow-coloured buildings surround the square on 3 sides and the Tagus River on one side. In the old days commercial ships would dock here and unload their goods that Portuguese took during they voyages, like Gold, Silver, Spice, Silk, Cacao, Coffee.
2. Rua Augusta Arch
The square is surrounded by yellow-coloured buildings on the 3 other sides, and the Rua Augusta Arch is the “door” to Lisbon. Climb to the top of one of this iconic monument and enjoy the amazing 360° views of Lisbon and its beautiful harbour from the top!
3. Ride on the Tram 28
You can discover the sorrounding neighbourhoods on foot or hop on the famous Tram 28 which is one of the best ways to explore the old city. Because of the narrow streets, tight turns this route is unsuitable for modern trams.
So these tiny, historic trams go through many of Lisbons historic disctricts, like Alfama and stops in front of the Lisbon Cathedral.
4. Sé de Lisboa / Lisbon Cathedral
Lisbon Cathedral or better known as Sé de Lisboa is the oldest church in the city because it survived many natural disasters. It was built by Portugal’s first king, Afonso I on the site of an old mosque, when Lisbon was recaptured from the Moors.
5. Castelo de São Jorge / St. George’s Castle
An other reminder of the Moorish times is the St. George’s Castle, which was built on the highest hill in Lisbon. It was a wedding gift to Afonso’s English wife, hence it’s got its name from the patron Saint of England. The old fort was transformed into a royal residence and the castle was the setting where king King Manuel I received Vasco da Gama after his voyage to India.
6. Miradouros
Miradouros are look out points which provide an amazing view over the city. There are several in Lisbon and a perfect place to see the sun set.
The Miradouro de Santa Luzia / Santa Luzia Viewpoint is one of Lisbon’s most beautiful miradouros and most romantic spot. The pergola provides shade to tourists who sit nest to the beautiful garden and pond.
The Miradouro da Graça / Graça Viewpoint offers a panoramic view of the castle and central Lisbon on the line of the tram 28.
7. Elevador de Santa Justa / Santa Justa elevator
This strange metal building is actually an elevator, called Santa Justa which connects the Baixa district with the with the higher Carmo Square.
Legend has it that Lisbon, like Rome, was built upon seven hills. The city is said to be Europe’s second-oldest capital, after Athens. The high hills made transportation harder in city so this steam powered elevator was built.
There is also a lookout point with sweeping views of the city.
8. Ruínas do Carmo / Carmo Convent
If you get to the Carmo Square you will find the ruins of Carmo Convent which is also a reminder of the earthquake. Unfortunate coincidence, that the earthquake happened on November 1st, which is All Saints’ Day in the Catholic Church.
9. Rua Nova do Carvalho / Pink street
Lisbon was an important port city, which means lots of sailors would come into the city to gamble, drink and have fun. Shady bars and brothels opened in the tiny alley and transformed this area into Lisbon’s former Red Light District.
10. Time Out Market Lisbon
And if you are hungry head to the Time Out Market which is not just a fresh produce market but also a food court. There are more than 30 restaurants and bars, some overseen by Michelin-starred Portuguese chefs. Here, you’ll find basically every cuisine you could wish for from traditional Portuguese seafood, to pizza, or sushi.
Belém district
Belem, which is by the way the Portuguese word for Bethlehem, was the location of Lisbon’s shipyards and docks. This is where the Portugal sailors started their world discoveries. Follow their footsteps!
11. Mosteiro dos Jerónimos / Jerónimos Monastery
The Jeronimos Monastery is the most impressive symbol of Portugal’s power and wealth during the Age of Discovery.
The building was designed by the Portuguese architect to commemorate the return of Vasco da Gama from India. According to the story Vasco da Gama and his crew spent their last night here before their trip. And you will find his tomb inside the Church of Santa Maria.
12. Pastéis de Belém
This shop close by, the Pastéis de Belém, is the center of the famous traditional Portuguese custard tart, the Pastel de Belém or Also known as Pastel de Nata.
After the Liberal Revolution of 1820, many convents and monasteries were closed down. The monks of Jerónimos Monastery started to sell their pastries at a nearby sugar refinery for some extra money. Unfortunately, the monastery was shut down and the ‘secret’ recipe was sold to that sugar refinery who opened their own pastry shop.
13. Padrão dos Descobrimentos / Discoveries Monument
This is the Discoveries Monument, which represents a ship featuring more than 30 statues of historical figures who played a big part in Portugal’s Age of Discoveries. Portuguese sailors discovered large parts of the world, years before the rest of Europe. Like Brazil, Australia and several countries and islands in Asia. Vasco de Gama was the first European to sail around the southern tip of Africa all the way to India by sea.
14. Torre de Belém / Belém Tower
Lisbon became a worldwide center of commerce thanks to the Discoveries. And in order to protect the city several fortresses were built. The Belem tower has five floors which lead to a roof terrace. It was used as prison and lighthouse and now this UNESCO World Heritage sight is the symbol of Lisbon.
On the western side of the Tower of Belém, you’ll find a special gargoyle. It is shaped like a rhinoceros. Interestingly, the first rhino to set foot in Portugal was in 1513 from India.
Modern sights of Lisbon
15. Ponte 25 de Abril / 25th of April Bridge
If you think it is the Golden Gate Bridge in San Francisco, you are wrong. It is the 25th of April Bridge the longest suspension bridge in Europe. Why the similarity? It was designed by the same American Bridge Company who created the American sister bridge.
16. Cristo Rei / Sanctuary of Christ the King
Since the founding of the official Kingdom of Portugal the country has been dominantly Christian.
Cristo Rei, inspired by the famous statue in Rio de Janeiro, is an enormous monument to Christ standing ont he southern bank of the river. The panorama of Lisbon is amazing from here.
Download my free Travel Guide
Everything in one PDF you need to plan your trip to Lisbon: maps, useful tips, hotels and cool things to do while you are in the city.
Explore more of Lisbon!
Lisbon is full of surprises and adventures! Here are some ideas how you could make your stay in the Portuguese capital way more special!
